President William Ruto has cautioned political rivals in the Mt Kenya region against attempting to use their disagreements with him to divide his relationship with residents of the vote-rich area, insisting that his ties with the region are long-standing and grounded in years of engagement.
Speaking during the memorial service of the late Ol Kalou MP David Njuguna Kiaraho in Ol Kalou, Nyandarua County, the Head of State said his connection with the people of Mt Kenya cannot be easily weakened by political differences, adding that it has been built over time through consistent interaction.
“I know how to work with the people from Mt Kenya,” Ruto said.
He noted that the support he received from the region during the 2022 General Election remains important to him, stressing that his engagement with the community did not begin recently but has developed over the years.
“I know the people from Mt Kenya voted for me. I understand that, and I am not a mad person or a fool,” he said.
Ruto further stated that his relationship with the region is rooted in sustained interaction and mutual understanding, dismissing claims that such ties can be easily broken through political rivalry.
“The friendship I have built with the people of Mt Kenya is not something that was accomplished in two or three days,” he added.
He also emphasized his position as President, saying he has the freedom to move across the country without needing approval from any individual or political group.
“I am the President of Kenya, and I do not need the permission of anyone to visit any part of the country. I am free to go to any place, and I will not ask for permission from anybody, whoever you are,” Ruto said.
The Head of State responded to his critics by saying he would address their concerns through his work in office rather than engaging in political exchanges.
“Those who are pointing fingers at me here, I will answer them with my actions and deeds,” he said, adding that his priority remains to promote unity across the country.
He pointed to the formation of the broad-based government as part of his effort to bring together different political interests and foster national cohesion.
“I work hard to unite the country and that is why I formed the broad-based government to bring all Kenyans together,” he said.
The memorial service in Ol Kalou brought together leaders from different political camps, reflecting the divisions that have recently emerged within the Mt Kenya region following the impeachment of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua in October 2024.
During the event, moments of tension were witnessed when sections of the crowd broke into “One Term” chants as National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula recognized various leaders present.
Despite the charged atmosphere, the proceedings continued as leaders paid tribute to Kiaraho, who passed away on March 29, 2026, celebrating his life and public service.